Signs of Spring are all about us. Robins dining in the wild
cherry trees, geese heading north for their nesting grounds. They all seem so
energetic. As for me, I’m looking through my Plein
Air magazines for a spark to motivate the next painting.
I have tried actual Plein Air, or as some folks call it,
outdoor painting. The preparation time is holding me back. Preparing to paint
outdoors includes as many scenarios as possible that a painter might encounter.
As I overthink the outdoor adventure, I ask myself questions and answer by
gathering a lot of things that may need to be carried like the easel, canvases,
the important painter case and all necessities. What
if it rains? Will I need bug spray, tiedowns, a plan to deal with the
temperatures (I live in Michigan)? Will I have to go, you know, go? Will I
need sustenance for this adventure?
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| Celebration |
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| Dune Path |
Vincent van Gogh also had a lot to say about painting out in nature. In his diary he lists a few of his nagging annoyances, like heat, rain, bugs, or the process of painting such as people watching and muttering about the work or about the painter. Even walking the dunes with a finished painting, Nature seems to play games with the artists' frustration - branches scratching the still wet work or sand blowing on a masterpiece, but somehow Van Gogh got the paintings back to his studio, his place of safety and comfort.
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| Lake Path |
I applaud dedicated Plein Air artists and their beautiful
expressions of land and sea. But, for now I will stick to the place I know, my
little studio with its work to-be-done and dreams to become real.
-Joel
If you are interested in seeing paintings by Joel F. Ellis,
his art is appearing as Spring opens up in mid-Michigan venues.
The Mid-Michigan Art Guild member show in April will be
presenting works by members at the Neighborhood Empowerment Center, Maple
street in Lansing.
The McLaren Physicians Building; is presenting artists work
from greater Lansing on three levels in the building– supported by the Lansing
Area Arts Connection.
And a favorite venue in Owosso at the Shiawassee Arts Center
has a popular Members Show in the great room as well as galleries throughout
the building presenting inspiring original art in a wide variety of techniques.
